How to break in your custom holster you ask? When it comes to kydex and nylon holsters, they are usually good to go straight out of the box. However, they don’t offer the same level of comfort or style as leather holsters. In addition, the quality of craftsmanship and the smell of fresh and premium leather can hardly be beaten compared to holsters made from other materials.
However, a new custom holster can come with one downside—it might need a bit of breaking in before it’s truly comfortable to carry. That’s why we are here with a couple of proven methods for successful leather, kydex and even the nylon holster break-in. If your new holster doesn’t fit right out of the box, don’t panic and apply one of these five methods so that you can enjoy a holster that lasts a lifetime.
How to determine your holster needs break-in
If you’re looking for a custom holster that fits like a glove, you’ll definitely want to check out our selection. However, even our custom holsters might not come with a perfect fit right out of the box. If that’s the case, don’t worry—a short break-in session is all it takes to achieve the snug, glove-like fit. Just follow the instructions below, and you’ll be good to go. And if none of the methods work, our customer service team is always here to help.
You’ll most frequently have to go through the break-in procedure in the following cases:
ISSUE #1 - Your new holster feels too small.First of all, this is most frequently really just a feeling. Our leather holsters are wet molded on the exact gun models and bluegun replicas. Do not forget, we’re talking about fresh leather, which occasionally shrinks during the dry-out process. This natural process may require a bit of breaking-in before the holster fits perfectly.The same applies on the kydex holsters, which are thermo molded. Therefore a little push is occasionally needed.Lastly, nylon holsters may also feel tight at first, but a few uses typically help stretch the material, allowing it to conform to your desired level of retention.
ISSUE #2 - The strap of your new holster won’t close or seems too short. This is quite common with fresh leather. With proper break-in, the thumb break strap can stretch up to an inch. It takes a bit of time and patience, but if you follow the second method in our guide, you’ll likely achieve the perfect fit.And if you’ve purchased a nylon holster, no worries—these models come with adjustable straps for a quick and easy fit.
Here are the 5 proven methods of holster Break-in
#1 Leather Holster Break-in
The most effective method on how to condition the tight holster to fit your gun just like a glove is to wet the leather. This process is called the wet method or “Wet Break-in”. You will need:
- Your gun
- Your new holster
- Denatured alcohol and soft brush (available in our holster care kits)
- Plastic bag.
Soak the brush in the denatured alcohol and apply the liquid onto the stiff parts of the holster from the inner side. Focus on the key parts such as trigger guard and barrel area. Let the leather soak the liquid in. Meanwhile, unload your gun completely and insert it in the plastic bag. The plastic bag helps either to space out the holster, while it also protects both the finish of the holster and your gun (during the initial break-in session). Holster the gun with an appropriate force in order to stretch the needed parts. You can re-holster the gun several times. Eventually, let the setup sit overnight. Once the holster dries out it will keep the new shape.
#2 Leather Strap Adjustment
Snapping the thumb break of your new leather holster closed is probably the most frequent problem with brand new leather holsters. Although it takes a bit more force than the first method, you won’t need anything but the following to be successful:
- Your gun
- Your new holster
- A bit of force
- Break-in Liquid (optional - available in our holster care kits)
We recommend using the denatured alcohol in order to wet the leather for significantly easier stretch. Apply the denatured alcohol on the inner side of the thumb break strap and let it soak in. Next, grip the strap between your thumb and index finger, holding it firmly. Place your gun inside the holster. While pushing the gun into the holster, pull the strap in the opposite direction. For better effect, gently twist and bend the strap as you pull. This process will help stretch the strap, allowing the gun to fit more comfortably and making it easier to snap the thumb break closed.
Please note: Use reasonable force while pulling on the strap—excessive pressure could tear it. When closing the snap, ensure the two parts are aligned and coming together smoothly. Misalignment can cause the snaps to deform under pressure. Never use pliers or other tools to close the snap, as this can damage the holster. Never apply the denatured alcohol on the outer surface of the holster as it may damage the holster finish.
We recommend getting either our Small or Premium break-in kit for a quick and easy Break-in session.
How to break in your new Leather holster - video guide
Are you struggling with the fit of your brand new leather holster? Don’t worry and have a look at this quick video on 3 proven break-in methods that will definitely solve your problem.
#3 Nylon holster Break-in
The nylon is stretchy fabric. Even though the holster is always made and sized on the exact gun model, it may need a slight stretch (like brand new jeans).
- Your gun
- Your new holster
- Plastic Bag
If the holster feels tight, make sure to unload your gun completely, then re-holster it several times. For best results, wrap the unloaded gun in a plastic bag before holstering. The extra layer will help stretch the holster more effectively. Leave the gun holstered overnight, and the fabric threads will loosen, allowing the holster to loosen and to conform to the shape of the gun.
#4 Nylon Velcro Strap Adjustment
Our holsters feature a removable thumb break strap secured with solid Velcro. Each side of the holster has an opening through which the velcro strap is threaded. To adjust the strap length, you’ll need an object with the pointy end (e.g. a pen) to help you unzip the velcro inside the channel. Once you’ve undone the velcro, holster your unloaded gun and adjust the strap to the desired length.
Note: This method does not apply to it. C826 nylon Cross Draw Gun Holster.
#5 Kydex Holster Break-in
The kydex holsters are made under a certain temperature. During the cool down process, a certain part of the kydex material occasionally shrinks. There is an easy fix as well.
- Your gun
- Your new holster
- Plastic Bag
- Hairdryer or Heat Gun
Use the hairdryer or heat gun to warm up the holster slightly. Make sure to unload your gun and wrap it inside the plastic bag. Holster the gun to the warm holster and let the material stretch accordingly. You can do a series of re-holster. The plastic bag adds an extra layer for the accurate draw, while it also protects either the gun’s finish and holster during the break-in session. Leave the gun in the holster until it cools completely. The material will fully conform to the shape of your gun.
Leather holsters break-in kits
All of the methods for holsters break-in mentioned above are reliable and should do the trick if properly executed - with no special tools needed. However, within the leather “wet break-in” method certain specific items come handy. To make it easier for you, we introduced our own conditioning kits - Premium Holsters Care Kit & Small Break-in Kit. Have a look at these and check the videos to find out what our holster break-in and maintenance kits include and find out more about them.
Premium Holsters Care Kit
This kit is designed to provide the premium conditioners, solutions and necessary tools for a proper break-in session and ongoing maintenance of your leather holster in one package. It helps slow down or repair the occasional scratches and wear and tear that naturally occur with use. This handy holster care kit includes a Break-in Liquid, Leather Conditioner, Leather Balm, Dauber, Microfiber Sponge, and a Wool Pad. Get it Here.
Small break-in kit
This compact break-in holster kit is designed to provide the essential tools for properly breaking in your leather holster. The kit includes Break-in Liquid, a Wool Dauber, and a Microfiber Cloth. It’s a convenient set that you can use right away if your gun doesn’t fit easily into the holster straight out of the box. Get It here.
